Three other grapplers complete triple crowns in AAU Grand Nationals

South Lyon's Max Honiss earned a podium spot with a runner-up finish in Greco Roman style wrestling during the Central Regional last May to qualify for last week's U.S. Marine Corps USA Cadet and Junior Nationals in Fargo, ND.

A sophomore at South Lyon High School and a member of the Michigan Matcats, Honiss earned spot in the nationals after taking a top-two finish in a 36-man bracket at the USA Wrestling Central Regional in Ada, Ohio, following a top-four finish at the state finals.

During the eight-day tourney in Fargo, Honiss lost two tough freestyle matches but regrouped for Greco Roman, coming from behind while pinning an opponent and winning another match by technical fall to reach the round of 32.

After missing the freestyle podium at the Central Regional, Honiss regrouped and dedicated himself to seven grueling weeks of Greco Roman training while watching his weight, according to Matcats coach Steve Richardson.

"Max could have called it a season and been content with his qualifier status, but that wouldn’t his style," Richardson said. "A freshman is not supposed to compete at Fargo, A freshman is not supposed to win a match, a freshman most definitely is not supposed to make it to the round of 32. Max has ignored every 'supposed to' and did things his way. I, along with all of his coaches, are extremely proud of Max for his accomplishments and look forward to his high school season next year."

Triple crowns

The Matcats boasted five All-Americans, including three who completed triple crown titles in freestyle, Greco Roman and folkstyle following the AAU Grand Nationals held July 19-21 at Fraser Hockeyland.

Both Gavin Boller and Drake Pollins made it through each event without having a point scored on them.

"These two have dedicated the last nine months of their lives to wrestling. It’s fitting to see them celebrate their goals as nationals champions," Richardson said. "Both are true leaders that every Matcat looks up to."

Travis Richardson also went undefeated for his third straight AAU National and completed his triple crown, much to the delight of his father.

"Being the coach's son is extremely hard," Steve Richardson said. "He rarely gets recognition, seldom gets any limelight and almost never gets any accolades from the head coach or anyone on the staff. Travis would not have it any other way. He leads by example and never wants attention drawn to him."

Travis Richardson deflected the praise and credited his teammates.

“There are so many Matcats that deserve recognition each week.” he said. "I want them to shine, I want to see their names. That’s what keeps our team big and competitive."

Meanwhile, Matcats member Rayna Richardson gained national runner-up honors, while teammate Jace Garcia was third in folkstyle.

Contact Brad Emons at bemons@hometownlife.com. Follow him in Twitter: @BradEmons1.